The casual dining health kick has gone so far that now even a roadside institution like Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (NASDAQ:CBRL) is cleaning up its act. The chain that is famous for its Southern vittles, rustic gift shops, and inviting porches lined with wooden rocking chairs is aiming to remove all artificial trans fats from its menu by next summer.
Keep in mind that the company isn't doing away with all trans fats, only those that aren't naturally occurring in its signature food items. This won't necessarily make next year's trek out to a Cracker Barrel healthy, but it should make it healthier.
That's pretty much the point. Consumers still have to make educated decisions about what they eat. Industry moves are simply making it more difficult for diners to gunk up their insides.
Just consider the eclectic lot of foodstuff makers that have declared war on trans fats. It started off slowly, with chains like Wendy's (NYSE:WEN) leading the way. But check out some of the rather unexpected places where trans fats are being given the boot:
- Disney (NYSE:DIS) is kicking them out of its theme parks.
- Marriott (NYSE:MAR) is making sure that they check out.
- Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) is chasing them away from its in-store dessert treats.
- Even cruise ship operator Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) is making them walk the plank.
Cracker Barrel's aim is to be a good corporate citizen by whacking away at artificial trans fats, but it has to make sure that its base of loyal customers doesn't follow the unhealthy oils out the door. Cracker Barrel has actually been testing new recipes since late last year -- much the same way that Cheesecake Factory (NASDAQ:CAKE) did -- to make sure that every entree, appetizer, and dessert still maintains its original flavor.
It's not easy, but it's one way to make sure that those rocking chairs rock back and forth with a clear conscience.
Disney and Starbucks are Motley Fool Stock Advisor picks. Give the newsletter the ultimate taste test with a trans fats-free 30-day trial subscription.
Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz loves comfort food, in moderation. He does own shares in Cracker Barrel and Disney. He is also part of the Rule Breakers newsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early. The Fool has a disclosure policy.
